EPPD hopes popular ‘Live PD’ show will draw more recruits to the force
The El Paso Police Department is hoping the popularity of A&E Network’s hit documentary series “Live PD” will translate into more people wanting to join the force.
The show, which airs on Fridays and Saturdays, involves live camera crews following officers in several police departments, including El Paso’s, as they patrol.
According to the show’s website, “Live PD viewers get unfettered and unfiltered live access inside a variety of the country’s busiest police forces, both urban and rural, and the communities they patrol on a typical night. Viewers are encouraged to post their comments about what they witness throughout the night on Facebook and Twitter.”
“Live PD” is a huge hit. According to Indiewire, viewership is up 145 percent from its launch. El Paso officers featured on the show have been showcased in promotions all over the country.
What viewers do not see are the department’s ongoing efforts to overcome an officer shortage.
Sgt. Andrew Salazar is in charge of backgrounds and recruiting for the El Paso Police Department.
“The population of El Paso continues to grow. Right now we are seeing a lot of growth within the city. The police department for a long time has been understaffed and i think the city right now is trying to play catch up,” said Salazar.
Members of EPPD’s recruitment team are currently in San Antonio at a job fair hoping to entice people to make the move to the Borderland.
“We have both short-term and long-term goals. Short term right now we have an academy class that is scheduled to start in February of this year. We are looking to fill 16 positions there. There is another class in June, and for the next three to five years we are looking at anywhere from 300 to 500 positions being filled,” said Salazar.
The Police Department has also sent the recruiting team to Phoenix and there are plans to visit other cities and use other means of advertisement.
“Technology, internet billboards and actually going out there to recruiting fairs that are specifically targeted for law enforcement,” Salazar said.
The television show “Live PD” is also providing a lot of publicity for EPPD. Millions of people watch the three-hour episodes.
“We hope it does. I know it’s been shown nationwide,” Salazar said. “I know the Public Information Office has explained to us that there have been some people calling in and asking questions. There is obviously some interest there.”
